Want to Boost Your Team's Productivity?

A sales manager noticed that his team's performance was declining. He wondered how he could improve it.

One of the things he had learned in a one-on-one session with me was the importance of observing his team's interactions.

(With his full consent, let me share some of our discussions)

This manager's focus had always been solely on sales data and end results, neglecting the human element. In a service-oriented industry, people are the driving force, and their interactions are crucial.

I simply asked him:

"How do your team members interact with each other?

Are there any ambitious individuals, and what is the level of competition among them?"

He was initially silent, as his attention had been primarily on sales.

That was the main reason for our session.

After the session, he gained a clearer understanding of the strategies he needed to implement with his team.

His goal for that month was to closely observe his team members.

By analyzing both team interactions and sales data, the manager realized that there was a lack of collaboration and a sense of competition among team members.

The manager implemented team-building activities and introduced a commission structure that rewarded teamwork.

I can proudly say, we have started seeing significant improvement in sales performance.

Most-times, it isn't about seeing the profit, but the mechanisms in achieving the profits.

Have you heard about the word "Perspicacity"?

This is the ability for an individual to see clearly and understand things keenly.

Actually, this is a manager's secret weapon.

It's what allows you to read between the lines, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions.

In today's fast-paced business world, perspicacity is more essential than ever.

Let's walk through a typical day in the life of a perspicacious manager:

Morning: You start by reviewing your inbox, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. You notice a recurring theme in the emails: team members seem stressed and overwhelmed. Using your perspicacity, you realize that workload distribution might be uneven, and you schedule a quick team meeting to address the issue.

Mid-morning: In the team meeting, you actively listen to your team's concerns. Using your observation skill, you could tell from their body language and facial expressions about their emotional states. So, as the manager you tend to gauge their emotional state and identify underlying issues. You get to reassure the team of your support and propose a solution that addresses their concerns while maintaining project deadlines.

Afternoon: You meet with a new client to discuss a potential project. As you listen to the client's needs, you use your perspicacity to identify hidden opportunities and potential challenges. You ask insightful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the client's business objectives and tailor your proposal accordingly.

Late afternoon: You receive a call from a key employee who is considering leaving the company. Using your empathy and understanding, you listen attentively to their concerns. In empathizing with their perspective, you can identify the root cause of their dissatisfaction and explore potential solutions to keep them engaged.

Now that we've seen how perspicacity can be applied in a manager's daily role, let's get to know the essential skills that contribute to this valuable ability.

1. Active Listening: As a manager, Pay close attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Observe their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to gain a deeper understanding of their perspective.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Develop your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others. Emotional intelligence is crucial for building strong relationships and navigating challenging situations.

3. Critical Thinking: Analyze information objectively and evaluate different perspectives. Consider the potential consequences of your decisions and make informed choices based on evidence and reasoning.

4. Intuition: Trust your gut instincts while also relying on data and facts. Intuition can provide valuable insights that may not be immediately apparent.

5. Curiosity: Maintain a curious mindset and be open to learning new things. Ask questions, seek out diverse perspectives, and challenge your assumptions.

Perspicacity is a powerful tool for managers who want to succeed in today's complex business environment.

perspicacity is not just about seeing things clearly; it's about understanding the underlying motivations, emotions, and perspectives of those around you.

Did you learn something from today's article?

If you did, kindly share to others that need this to help them navigate their journey.

My name is Samuel Efre, I consult for leaders and managers seeking clarity in achieving a strong workflow with their team members.

You can reach out to me via email: [email protected]